New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received a plethora of congratulatory messages and calls from world leaders and close neighbours as he prepares to head the country for the third successive term.
The messages of congratulations came from nations including Israel, the UAE, France, the UK, the EU, Netherlands, Iran, Egypt, Ukraine, Malaysia, and closer home Bangladesh, Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a message of ‘Badhai Ho!” posted on X: “I extend my warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being re-elected for a third consecutive term.
“May the friendship between India and Israel continue to surge towards new heights. Badhaai Ho !”
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulating his “dear friend” said: “India has concluded the world's largest elections! Congratulations @NarendraModi, my dear friend. Together we will continue strengthening the strategic partnership that unites India and France.”
UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed in his congratulatory message, which was written in Hindi on X, said:
“I heartily congratulate my friend @NarendraModi on his re-election as Prime Minister. I wish him success in leading India on further progress and development. Our two countries have a deep strategic partnership. I look forward to continued cooperation aimed at advancing the shared development goals of our countries and our people.”
Thanking him, PM Modi said: “Thank you dear brother @MohamedBinZayed for your warm words. Building on the high momentum and upward trajectory of India-UAE ties in the recent years, I look forward to working with you to achieve unprecedented heights in the years to come.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also called up PM Modi to congratulate him and said the UK and India share the closest of friendships:
“Today I spoke to @narendramodi to congratulate him on his election victory.
The UK and India share the closest of friendships, and together that friendship will continue to thrive.
In his reply, Modi said: “Thank you, PM @RishiSunak, for your call and kind wishes. We remain committed to a strong, forward-looking India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, building upon our shared values and interests, and the living bridge of our connected peoples.”
Indonesian President Joko Widodo in his congratulatory message said: Look forward to the enhanced Indonesia - India comprehensive strategic partnership for the mutual prosperity of our two countries and the region.”
Netherlands PM Mark Rutte also called up PM Modi to congratulate him:
“Just spoke with Prime Minister @narendramodi of India to congratulate him on his election victory. We also discussed ways to further enhance the strong cooperation between our countries in areas such as security, water management, green energy, semiconductors and healthcare.”
Prime Minister of the UAE and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his message said: "We trust that India, under his leadership, will maintain its economic progress and continue to build on his remarkable achievements of the past decade. We look forward to further strengthening our bilateral relations across all areas of cooperation for mutual benefit and prosperity.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his message said: “Congratulations on your election victory, dear @narendramodi! We will successfully continue our cooperation to deepen Indo-German relations as well as our cooperation on international and global issues. I look forward to seeing you again soon.”
European Council President Charles Michel in his message of congratulations said:
“Congratulations @narendramodi on your results in India's General Elections, the world's largest election.
The EU is looking forward to continuing to deepen our strategic partnership with India. Our continents must cooperate on the most pressing global challenges: climate change, peace & security, and the fight against poverty.”
EU President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Congratulations to the people of India! And congratulations @narendramodi.
“As the EU moves into its own elections, we celebrate the voice of the people in our democracies, the two biggest in the world. I look forward to a continued fruitful partnership between the EU and India.”
PM Modi, in his reply, also extended good wishes for the EU elections. He posted: “Thank you @vonderleyen. India-EU strategic partnership is defined by the depth of our shared democratic values, interests and the unlimited opportunities. Looking forward to elevate the India-EU ties to greater heights. Best wishes on behalf of the world's largest democracy for the EU elections."
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his message said: “I wish the people of India peace and prosperity, and I hope for continued cooperation between our countries. India and Ukraine share common values and a rich history. May our partnership continue to thrive, bringing progress and mutual understanding for our nations.
“Everyone in the world recognizes the significance and weight of India's role in global affairs. It is critical that we all work together to ensure a just peace for all nations. In this regard, we also look forward to seeing India attend the Peace Summit.”
Modi also thanked Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina for her wishes: “Thank Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her warm wishes. India and Bangladesh share historic relations, which have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade. I look forward to working together to further strengthen our people-centric partnership.”
Egyptian President Abdelfattah Elsisi in his message expressed Egypt's “aspiration for joint work in the coming years to open new horizons to strengthen the historical relations that bring together the two friendly countries and peoples, and to make the most of the potentials available for their joint work, and wished the Indian Prime Minister success and the friendly people of India further development and prosperity.”
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim in his message praised the Indian elections, saying: “The exercise of democracy in India is indeed a marvel. More than 642 million people have exercised their right to vote since April 19. Prime Minister Modi has overseen a historic reconfiguration of the Indian economy, one that promises a better life for India’s citizenry as well as the region at large. I look forward to working closely with him as we forge a new era of relations between Malaysia and India.”
Spain PM Pedro Sanchez in his message said: “My most sincere congratulations to @narendramodi for his electoral victory.
India is an important partner of Spain and together we work to address global challenges. We will continue to strengthen our relationships in this new mandate.”
Nigeria President: Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his message said the outcome of the Lok Sabha election is a “resounding affirmation of PM Modi’s exceptional leadership of the world’s largest democracy”.
He assured India “of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations and advancing shared goals and values as strategic partners in the league of nations.”
Thanking him, Modi said: “Thank you President Tinubu @officialABAT for your warm message. Nigeria's participation in the G20 Summit hosted by India last year was a momentous occasion. Look forward to further enhancing our partnership for the benefit of our people and the region.”
From Iran, the deputy head of the country in his message said:
“Congratulations to PM @narendramodi on his recent victory in Indian elections. Under your leadership, India has become a major partner of I.R. Iran. Let's hope for the best relations between two friendly nations: Iran & India.”
Serbian President Aleksandar Vu?i? in his message said:
“Heartfelt congratulations @narendramodi on your electoral victory. I am confident that India will continue on its current path of impressive successes and prosperity under your prudent leadership and that we will keep fostering strong ties between Serbia and India.”
PM Petr Fiala of the Czech Republic said: “My sincere congratulations to PM @narendramodi on the victory of the BJP in the general election. I have fond memories of our meeting in India in January, and I’m looking forward to our continued cooperation. India is a key partner for both the Czech Republic and the EU.”
Kenya President William Ruto congratulated Modi on “his historic re-election in the recently concluded elections”.
“I also wish to congratulate the people of India for once again affirming to the world the vibrancy and maturity of their democracy.
“This is another testament to the strength of the world’s largest democracy.
“As you move forward, Your Excellency Modi, I am confident that your commitment to a better India will accelerate growth and development, and enhance the unity and prosperity of the nation.
“As your partner and friend, Kenya looks forward to further strengthening our bilateral relations and working together to galvanize the search for cooperative solutions to the most formidable challenges that threaten the stability of our world and its sustainability, including conflicts, the climate crisis, and the debt burden.”
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said: “My sincere congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on his election victory. We look forward to enhancing the fast-growing #Taiwan-#India partnership, expanding our collaboration on trade, technology & other sectors to contribute to peace & prosperity in the #IndoPacific.”
Modi also received congratulatory messages from the Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Comoros President Azali Assoumani, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, Argentinian President Javier Milei, Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson among a host of others.
